MORE NEWS, 3-23 (RECYCLED TURBINES STILL SERVING; BIG BENEFITS TO BUILDING WIND; COAL CO BOSS PULLS $8 MIL BONUS)

RECYCLED TURBINES STILL SERVING
A second life for California wind turbines
Dirk Lammers, March 20, 2009 (AP via San Jose Mercury-News)

"…[H]undreds of Danish workhorses bearing the names Nordtank, Micon, Vestas and Bonus aren't quite ready to slow down…These wind turbines — stripped down to the steel and completely rebuilt — are forgoing the scrap heap in favor of second lives powering farms, schools and businesses.

"Within the capital-intensive wind industry, there are a growing number of companies that specialize in bringing old turbines back to life, helping smaller customers save a little cash while going green."

Built for the long haul. (click to enlarge)

"Most of these windmills, once state of the art, debuted on large California wind farms in the 1980s…New 65- to 100-kilowatt wind turbines, large enough to power a farm or help defray a school's electric bills, can cost $3,000 to $6,000 per kilowatt, meaning the entry prices would be close to $200,000, according to the American Wind Energy Association."

Technology with far-ranging perspective. (click to enlarge)

"Buying secondhand can cut those costs by about half or even more…Many wind turbines are being decommissioned from some of California's oldest wind farms, having reached the end of their design lives…

"Michigan's Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker School District wanted to connect a few wind turbines to its elementary building to save on energy…The on-campus wind farm…saves the district a little cash…But it has provided a gold mine of educational value, as students get to study physics and electricity by building small mock-up wind turbines and competing for the top design. "


BIG BENEFITS TO BUILDING WIND
Wind energy blowing money and jobs to Iowa
John David, March 20, 2009 (WQAD-TV Quad Cities)

"Spinning turbines seem to symbolize that wind power can be a prime source of clean energy in Iowa. Going green helps to cut pollution and also make money.

"[Dan Johnson, Glory Wind Turbines, Mt. Union, Iowa]: 'Wind is free…Here in Iowa, it's plentiful. Every farm in Iowa could have a wind turbine.'"

Wind's projected growth over the next 2 decades will generate huge job growth. (click to enlarge)

"…[Iowans] are joining forces…[because they are hearing] about investment and job opportunities across the state…In Iowa, wind investment is second only to Texas in the United States. And there's a chance to grow…Iowa's largest wind farm could eventually be located [in Washington County]

"…But [wind] isn't an automatic pot of gold. A wind turbine assembly plant in West Branch is laying off 58 workers during this economic downturn. And land owners need to know their rights. What's hot today might not be years from now…"

Wind's projected growth over the next 2 decades will provide a host of other benefits. (click to enlarge)

"While the wind industry faces its own challenges, there's a feeling it will prosper in the future.

"[Dan Johnson, Glory Wind Turbines, Mt. Union, Iowa]: 'With the economy the way it is now, interest is fantastic…It's big.'

"Big enough to keep the blades spinning for years to come."


COAL CO BOSS PULLS $8 MIL BONUS
Southern's CEO earns $8.1 million in compensation
Sandy Shore, March 17, 2009 (AP via SF Chronicle)

"The head of energy provider Southern Co. received a 2008 compensation package valued at $8.1 million, according to an analysis by The Associated Press, up about 29 percent from the previous year largely because of a jump in his performance-based bonus.

"David M. Ratcliffe, chairman, chief executive and president of the Atlanta-based company, received a base salary of $1.12 million and non-equity incentive plan compensation of $5.3 million, according to a filing Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Ratcliffe also received stock and option awards valued at $1.67 million when granted…[though] of little current value…Other compensation totaled $79,378 for retirement benefits and other perks."

But lucrative for the bosses. (click to enlarge)

"The Associated Press formula is designed to isolate the value the company's board placed on the executive's total compensation package…

"Southern has said its 2008 performance was affected by a decline in electricity sales and usage which it blamed on the recession. The company earned …$2.26 a share [in 2008] compared with…$2.29 a share [in 2007]…The 5 percent decline was substantially better than many energy stocks experienced…But shares have continued to decline in the first few months of 2009…

"Southern acquires, builds and operates power production and delivery facilities. Its holdings include Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power and Mississippi Power."